Enjoy this episode & transcript below where Kimberly Spencer, Master NLP Mindset & Communications Coach and CEO of Communication Queens, interviews networking queen Aria Leighty

What if the key to unlocking your next level of impact, income, and influence wasn’t the perfect pitch, the polished funnel, or the “professional” mask… but simply showing the f* up**?

In this unapologetically raw and empowering episode of Communication Queens, host Kimberly Spencer sits down with networking queen Aria Leighty, whose superpower is building intentional, transformational connections. Together, they unpack why 80% of success really is just showing up, how our glitter, shoes, and statement pieces can be business cards, and why authenticity always beats the buttoned-up version of “professional.”

Aria shares her three golden principles—listen, give a shit, and follow through—and how these deceptively simple practices make you the richest person in the room. From redefining networking as relationship-building (not sales!) to breaking free from the toxic hustle of vanity metrics, Aria reveals how community—not just audience—creates sustainable success.

Whether you’re a podcaster, coach, entrepreneur, or visionary ready to disrupt the “quiet, good girl” conditioning, this conversation will light a fire under your stilettos and remind you that your story, your voice, and your presence are your most powerful assets.

This isn’t just a chat about networking—it’s a masterclass in owning your audacity and building a business rooted in authenticity, connection, and impact.

FYI Transcripts may contain a few typos. With many episodes lasting 30-minutes, it can be difficult to catch minor errors. Enjoy!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Castbox, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Pandora, Youtube, or on your favorite podcast platform.

00:00 – Welcome to Communication Queens

Kimberly Spencer (host): Welcome to the Communication Queens podcast for visionary leaders, speakers, service providers, and podcasters who are looking to stand out sharing their story. I’m your host, Kimberly Spencer, and today I am so honored to have networking queen Aria Leighty on the show.

Before we dive in, let me tell you: 80% of success is just showing up. That’s one of my favorite quotes. But what holds people back from actually just showing the f*** up?

The Power of Showing Up – 03:25

Aria Leighty (guest): Oh, God. How much time do we have? Honestly, it’s not really our fault—it’s social conditioning. I work with women, women of color, queer folk. We’re talking about generations of trauma. Society wants women to be good girls, nice girls, quiet girls… seen and pretty, but not heard.

So anytime we’re showing up, even if it feels really small—like pushing “post” on Instagram or attending an event—that is rebellious and revolutionary. And when you show up, magic happens.

Kimberly Spencer (host): Yes! Like your son’s chess match—you told me he won by default because the other kids didn’t even show up.

Aria Leighty (guest): Exactly. It’s such a testament to the power of showing up.

Style as a Networking Strategy – 09:40

Kimberly Spencer (host): I remember walking into Podfest in my pink tulle outfit surrounded by “dude bros.” And that’s where I saw you, Aria. That’s who I showed up for.

Aria Leighty (guest): And that’s the magic—your wardrobe becomes a statement. Your shoes, your glitter, your tulle—that’s an invitation to connect. Showing up as yourself magnetizes the right people to you.

Redefining Professional – 15:55

Kimberly Spencer (host): A lot of people shy away from networking because they fear not being perceived as professional.

Aria Leighty (guest): I hate that word, “professional.” Professional isn’t about looking corporate or stiff. It’s about principles—like showing up on time, keeping your word. But we’ve been taught it’s about suits and masks. Nope. It’s about showing up real.

Intentional Networking vs. Sales – 21:30

Aria Leighty (guest): Let me define it: Intentional networking is about building and nurturing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. Notice I didn’t say sales. Notice I didn’t say marketing. It’s not about your elevator pitch—it’s about people.

When you walk into a room with that mindset, you’re already in a better space. It’s not about selling yourself. It’s about showing up human.

The 3 Golden Rules of Networking – 27:15

Aria Leighty (guest): My networking principles are simple:
1. Listen.
2. Give a shit.
3. Follow through.

If you do those three things, you’re golden. You become the richest person in the room. Because people remember when you care.

Audience vs. Community – 34:00

Kimberly Spencer (host): You said something powerful: the difference between audience and community.

Aria Leighty (guest): Yes! An audience is when you’re on stage speaking at people. A community is when you’re with people—listening, connecting, building. Anybody can get an audience. But when the curtain closes, what are you left with? That’s why showing up for community is everything.

Clarity Equals Speed – 41:20

Kimberly Spencer (host): One of my favorite client mantras is “clarity equals speed.”

Aria Leighty (guest): Exactly. When you’re clear on how you want to show up, opportunities come faster. Whether it’s on podcasts, social media, or live events, set the intention before you walk in the room.

Forget Vanity Metrics – 48:10

Aria Leighty (guest): So many people chase visibility through vanity metrics—fame, big shows, morning news. But your people aren’t there. They’re in the smaller, more intentional spaces.

That’s why showing up in the right rooms, with your community, always beats chasing clout.

Building Community for Business Growth – 55:45

Aria Leighty (guest): Community-centered strategies outlive every algorithm. Social media platforms rise and fall. But relationships—real ones—carry through every business and every season.

Not a Natural Connector? Start Here – 01:03:30

Kimberly Spencer (host): What about people who aren’t natural community builders?

Aria Leighty (guest): That’s okay. It’s not a weakness to lean on others. Find spaces already curated, and then do your part—invite others, contribute, support. Even if community isn’t natural, you can still thrive by showing up.

Micro-Economies and Reciprocity – 01:10:40

Aria Leighty (guest): I built million-dollar micro-economies simply by focusing on referrals, reciprocity, and intentionality. When your community invests in each other—money, time, energy—you create sustainability that no algorithm can touch.

Final Mic Drop – 01:17:55

Aria Leighty (guest): At the end of the day, the richest person in the room is the one who listens, gives a shit, and follows through.

Kimberly Spencer (host): Queens, that’s the power of showing up. Your story, your voice, and your relationships are what will build your empire.

Ranked No.55 in the United States by Apple Podcasts for Marketing, within just one week of launching, and over 33,000 downloads in the first 5 months, the Communication Queen Podcast with Kimberly Spencer is on the fasttrack to becoming an industry GAMECHANGER, in supporting listeners to tell better stories, enhance their communication skills, and learn how to leverage getting booked on podcasts to grow their business.

From interviews with Top 100 Podcasters, to providing real-life storytelling coaching, and communication #quickies of bite-sized communication tips that you can start leveraging right away, to increase your authority and influence in your niche, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to level up their storytelling skills to serve + sell more in their business. To listen to any of our past episodes for free, check out this page.